Greek Allusion-2 神話典故

Allusions of Greek Mythology-2

希臘神話典故








11. Between Scylla and Charybdis: between two destructive actions; between two equally dangerous alternatives


President Reagan will have to chart a hairbreadth course between the Scylla and Charybdis of either a no-growth military budget or a tax increase.






12. Circe: a charming and enchanting woman; an attractive and coquettish woman


Madonna, this modern Circe, is not just a simple sexual defiance but a symphony of rebellions.






13. Narcissism: egocentrism, self-interest, self-centered, great love for one's own self


Has the American work ethic really expired? Is some old native eagerness to level wildness and dig and build and invent now collapsing toward a decadence of narcissism?






14. Sisyphean labor/task/struggle: never-ending or fruitless work; continual and ineffective effort


Red China is waging a Sisyphean struggle to keep the vices of capitalism from infiltrating the country.






15. Sword of Damocles: insecurity and uncertainty; impending disaster; constantly threatening danger


Although the sword of Damocles has been lifted for a few more days, there are few in Fleet Street who regard The Times' future as rosy.






16. Oedipus complex: any unhealthy attachment of a boy to his mother; libidinal feelings of a boy for his mother, accompanied by hostility to his father; strong love of a boy for his mother combined with hatred or jealousy of his father


For a frightening number of teenagers, murdering their parents seems to be a solution to problems of the Oedipus complex.






17. Pyrrhic victory: a victory gained at too great a cost; a victory won at excessive cost; a costly victory


Labor won the Israeli elections. But it may turn out to be a Pyrrhic victory.






18. Midas touch: great money-making ability; make money from every enterprise; great wealth


In the U.S., the Tengleman Group, West Germany's largest grocery chain, found its Midas touch turned into lead.






19. Tantalizing: to arouse desire or interest; teasingly provocative


The tantalizing prospect of far-reaching reforms would change Poland's political landscape, with incalculable repercussion elsewhere in the Soviet dominions.






20. Cut the Gordian knot: to solve great difficulty or an extremely complicated problem or situation by direct and bold action; to act quickly and decisively


Reagan and congress should cut the Gordian knot of budget deficit through mutual search for acceptable formula.